Global Head of Infrastructure Delivery

Global Head of Infrastructure Delivery

Merlin Technology London B2

At Merlin Entertainments, our purpose is simple but powerful: to bring joy, create connections and make memories. Merlin is embarking on an exciting Digital and Data Transformation focused on enhancing the end to end guest journey in our attractions. As we continue our ambitious global transformation journey, technology plays a critical role in enabling sustainable growth and unforgettable guest experiences across our iconic destinations.

We're now looking for a Global Head of Infrastructure Delivery to lead the planning, execution and governance of enterprise wide infrastructure programmes that underpin our business today and enable our future.

The Role

Reporting to the Global Infrastructure Director, you'll own the end to end delivery of Merlin's core infrastructure portfolio, ensuring our environments are scalable, secure, resilient, and future ready. From major refresh cycles and global network upgrades to data centre transformations, you'll lead complex programmes that keep Merlin running - safely, reliably and efficiently across regions.

You'll inspire and lead a high performing global delivery team, working hand in hand with Architecture, Operations, regional technology teams and trusted third party partners to deliver at pace, at scale and to the highest standards.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Infrastructure Lifecycle & Refresh

• Own the full lifecycle of core infrastructure and network components, from planning and procurement through to deployment, maintenance and decommissioning.
• Lead the planning and execution of annual infrastructure and network refresh cycles.
• Maintain clear documentation and refresh roadmaps aligned to business priorities and compliance requirements.

Global Delivery Excellence

• Lead end to end delivery of major infrastructure programmes including LAN refreshes, SD WAN deployments and data centre upgrades.
• Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
• Build and lead a hybrid global delivery model combining permanent leaders and specialist contract SMEs.
• Partner closely with regional teams and vendors to minimise operational disruption.

Governance, Risk & Financial Control

• Establish and maintain robust delivery and governance frameworks aligned with PMO, audit and industry standards.
• Act as the primary interface between infrastructure teams and business stakeholders.
• Provide clear, concise updates to senior leaders on progress, risks, performance and strategic outcomes.
• Own and manage multi million pound infrastructure budgets, ensuring value, transparency and financial discipline.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor and inspire cross functional teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Challenge and support your leaders to deliver outstanding business results.
• Own succession planning and talent development across your function.
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion within Merlin Technology and beyond.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Build strong relationships with platform providers, integrators and consulting partners.
• Manage contractor pools and third party capacity to flex with demand.
• Ensure third party solutions align with Merlin's architecture standards and long term technology strategy.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience delivering large scale global technology portfolios and programmes, across both in house and outsourced models.
• Strong background in retail, hospitality, theme parks or location based entertainment environments.
• A respected people leader with experience delivering complex international infrastructure programmes.
• Exceptional senior stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at regional MD and executive level.
• Strong commercial acumen, including vendor negotiations and multi million pound budget ownership.
• Calm, decisive leadership style, with the ability to operate under pressure and navigate complexity.
• Evidence based decision maker who values collaboration, input and diverse perspectives.

How You Lead at Merlin

You role model our leadership behaviours every day:

• Soulfully Curious - open minded, inquisitive and always learning
• Results Focused - accountable, decisive and delivery driven
• Extraordinary Teammate - collaborative, generous and enterprise minded
• Develops People - invested in growing talent and building future leaders

Why Join Merlin?

You'll play a pivotal role in shaping the technology foundations of one of the world's most recognisable entertainment brands - supporting millions of guests, thousands of colleagues and destinations across the globe.

If you're excited by scale, complexity, purpose and impact and want to help build the infrastructure that powers magical experiences worldwide - we'd love to hear from you.

Competitive